Norway released its new passports yesterday. Here’s what you need to know

Photo: Håkon Mosvold Larsen / NTB

After a number of delays, Norway launched new passports on Monday.

The finalization of the new version of the Norwegian passport has been delayed several times, but the passports were finally ready on Monday.

There are several things that are important to know when it comes to the new passports.

Even though new documents have now arrived, those who have a valid passport today won’t need to apply for a new one. 

The passport Norwegians have today is valid until the expiry date, and they do not need to apply for a new passport before the old one expires.

The new version of the passport has several security elements and a new design. Neue Design Studio designed the passes.

Applying for a Norwegian passport

While the current passports remain valid until their expiry date, Norwegian citizens can apply for a new passport at all passport and ID offices in Norway.

As the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration points out, one has to be a Norwegian citizen in order to be granted a Norwegian passport.

However, one does not automatically get a Norwegian passport when one becomes a Norwegian citizen – an application has to be made.

Before applying for a passport, applicants should have a personal identity number, issued by the Norwegian Tax Administration.

If you live in Norway, you must submit the application for a Norwegian passport to the police.

If you live abroad, you can apply for a Norwegian passport at the nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate.

If you are not a Norwegian citizen yet, you can apply for Norwegian citizenship.

Improved security

Norwegian Minister of Justice and Emergency Management Mæland pointed out that the new passports were more difficult to counterfeit.

“This is an important crime prevention measure. It helps prevent ID misuse and serious crime such as work-related crime, human trafficking, and terrorism,” Mæland said on Monday.

Mæland was among the first people in the queue yesterday to obtain the new passport. 

She booked an appointment at the passport office in Ski on Monday.

“The police have strengthened the ID check that is carried out during the application process, and the passport is even more difficult to forge,” Mæland noted.

New national ID cards are expected to be launched in November.

Source: Norway Today

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